Many people predicted that World War One would end in a few months; however, it became a long war of attrition. Although Germany had an idea to end the war quickly, the Schlieffen Plan, they were unable to carry it out. They were on track to reach Paris in early September of 1914, but problems began to develop with the German army, including its inability to supply its troops quickly. They readjusted and invaded France near the Marne River, where they were defeated and turned back. After this, both sides developed trenches across from each other and for the years to come attempted to move forward; however, Germany, as well as the allies, were both unable to make real headway. World War One devolved into a war of attrition because after the Schlieffen Plan failed, both sides of the war developed trenches with weaponry that favored the defender, causing a stalemate.


Body Paragraph One:
Schlieffen Plan and its failure


Body Paragraph Two:
Defensive weaponry and trench warfare